Declawing is illegal or considered unethical by the veterinary profession in much of the world. Declawing was banned in the state of New York in 2019. Eight cities in California, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, plus St. Louis, Missouri and Denver, Colorado have enacted declaw bans. Veterinarians in seven of the ten Canadian provinces have rejected declawing as unethical and inhumane practice. Legislation to prohibit declawing was introduced in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Arizona, and Ontario during the past year.

Declawing a cat can cause chronic pain, infection, nerve and tissue damage, bone spurs, lameness, as well as back pain caused by changes in the cat’s natural gait. Declawing may negatively affect litter box use and can result in increased aggression, including biting.

Tumors, persistent infections, injuries, and congenital abnormalities are examples of medical conditions that may justify the removal of claws.

I strongly urge you to vote YES on House Bill 1716.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this important issue. I appreciate your help and ask that you please send me a response letting me know if you will support this bill.

Sincerely, a concerned constituent in your district